Ledyard committee seeks council OK for equity training and a town equity statement to pursue Sustainable CT bronze

Nate Woody, chair of Ledyard’s Sustainable Connecticut ad hoc committee, told the town council on May 27 that the committee intends to pursue a bronze certification through Sustainable Connecticut and needs the council’s commitment to two specific actions: host live equity training for municipal staff and elected officials, and develop an official town equity statement.

Woody said Sustainable Connecticut’s certification uses two prongs — a points‑based menu of best practices and an equity toolkit that requires active community outreach and documentation. “The points that you accumulate and you document are good sometimes for three years… so we decided to go for a bronze certification this year so that we can try to deliver something,” Woody said. He added the equity training and toolkit items are intended to be interactive and live rather than prerecorded.

Councilors asked practical questions about logistics. A councilor asked whether the trainings are free and whether shorter options exist; Woody said multiple, shorter modules are available and that the trainings come at no cost. On participation, Woody said there is no stated minimum attendance requirement but the committee will confirm any participation thresholds with the Sustainable Connecticut coach before scheduling.

Woody also urged the council to develop an equity statement that reflects Ledyard’s priorities rather than copying another municipality’s text. “We’re not trying to take Glastonbury’s statement and say, ‘this is what matters for Ledyard,’” he said, offering examples from nearby towns as templates the committee can adapt. He added the Sustainable Connecticut committee will help draft the statement and provide sample documents to the town clerk for distribution.

Acting Chair Adrienne Perad asked that sample statements be sent to the town staff so the council’s CRCDEI subgroup can workshop language and present a draft alongside the planned training schedule. The committee indicated it can provide resources and, where helpful, equity coaches to advise council workgroups.

The presentation concluded with general council support for pursuing certification; Woody said the committee believes the town can achieve bronze this year and build on those gains in future cycles.

The council did not take a formal vote on adopting an equity statement during the meeting; next steps discussed included circulating sample statements, confirming training providers and dates, and scheduling follow‑up with council workgroups.